note to owners of J Higgins kilts

[OC Richard]

As I've mentioned, due to me being the only person in the band who has taken a kiltmaking course and made a kilt, I've become the band's ersatz "regimental tailor", who makes whatever necessary modifications.

We bought an entire used band set of kilts and I was kept busy moving buckles and straps, taking out hems, restoring belt loop positioning, etc.

Three of us needed to have new matching kilts made, and we got these from J Higgins.

The price was good, the delivery prompt, and the kilts matched our existing kilts perfectly. These Higgins kilts appeared to be well-made, with nicely hand-stitched pleats.

I'm one of the members who got a new kilt, and I noted that my kilt has a sturdy internal stabiliser and that the tabs which hold the buckles were stitched through to it, so that the wool doesn't take the strain.

However I just now am in the process of moving the buckles on another of these new Higgins kilts (the guy has been losing weight) and I was surprised to find that the tabs which hold the buckles are NOT stitched through to the stabiliser, but merely basted onto the surface wool, so that when the kilt is worn the wool takes the strain, the wool stretches, and the pattern distorts. I've stitched them all through to correct the issue.

I don't know why they would do one kilt correctly, and another kilt not. (I'll have to check the third kilt.)

So just a note to owners of Higgins kilts, and any make of kilt for that matter: you might want to check to see that there's a stabiliser in place, and that the straps are stitched through to it.

If not, it's very easy to fix, and will save your nice kilt from stretching out and distorting.

[Barb T]

I don't know why they would do one kilt correctly, and another kilt not. (I'll have to check the third kilt.)

It's very likely that the three kilts were not jobbed out to the same kiltmaker.

[RockyR]

Does the kilt have stabilizer across the pleated section (under the lining)?

[OC Richard]

Yes the kilt has the stabiliser, sturdy and unmoving; it's just that the buckle-tabs weren't connected to it. (Now they are, and the kilt is stable as a rock.)

[Riverkilt]

And another example of why its best to deal direct with a kiltmaker with a name, face, and reputation rather than to deal with a middleman who farms out the kiltmaking to faceless kiltmakers.

I don't know about J. Higgens, but I'm guessing most jobbed out kilts are not inspected by a knowledgeable person at the middleman's when they are completed - hence shortcuts and errors slip through.

There are so many fine kiltmakers, most of whom also supply bands, why pay the extra for the middleman? (No not you Richard - understand it was an inherited deal)

Rant over.

[creagdhubh]

And another example of why its best to deal direct with a kiltmaker with a name, face, and reputation rather than to deal with a middleman who farms out the kiltmaking to faceless kiltmakers.

I don't know about J. Higgens, but I'm guessing most jobbed out kilts are not inspected by a knowledgeable person at the middleman's when they are completed - hence shortcuts and errors slip through.

There are so many fine kiltmakers, most of whom also supply bands, why pay the extra for the middleman? (No not you Richard - understand it was an inherited deal)

Rant over.

I agree, Ron. Saves time, trouble and possibly further expense/headache! For me, Barb Tewksbury and Matthew Newsome are my kilt-makers of choice.

[Riverkilt]

Its Kathy Lare that spoiled me... For any kiltmaker marketing to the public their reputation is all....kiltmakers working for middlemen don't have to worry about their quality - just enough to get their check....I'm sure some probably do fine work, those that don't usually generate sad posts on X Marks...

[denmcdough]

Its Kathy Lare that spoiled me... For any kiltmaker marketing to the public their reputation is all....kiltmakers working for middlemen don't have to worry about their quality - just enough to get their check....I'm sure some probably do fine work, those that don't usually generate sad posts on X Marks...

For me, the kilt makers of choice are: Wally Catanach and Bonnie Heather Greens. I have two personal kilts from Wally, and one each for my two boys. And Bonnie did one for me. Wonderful craftsmanship by both!!!

[Nathan]

My kilt maker of choice is our own xman of papakilts.com. I'm fairly certain that Scott (the Artificer) also has one of xman's kilts so he may be able to vouch. Xman is my brother but if his kilts weren't up to snuff, I'd be wearing my other one a lot more often.

N